Sercan Batum | Middle East Technical University (original) (raw)

Conference Presentations by Sercan Batum

Research paper thumbnail of "The Elements of Siege and Destruction: Conduct of Siege Warfare in the Byzantine World," 58th International Congress on Medieval Studies, Western Michigan University, 11-13 May 2023.

This paper discusses the conduct of siege warfare in Byzantium during the Early Medieval period. ... more This paper discusses the conduct of siege warfare in Byzantium during the Early Medieval period. The paper has two goals. Firstly, to present the destructive character of the siege warfare and transmission of siege knowledge from the Byzantines to their "enemies." The Byzantines preserved the siege technology and tactics that originated from Greco-Roman tradition, but siege knowledge turned against them because of its transmission to the Avars and Slavs in the late 6th century. Secondly, to analyze the catastrophic impact of sieges on the cities. This paper argues that during the transition from Late Antiquity to Middle Ages, sieges brought destruction to cities, which shared the urban heritage of Classical antiquity. Not only inhabitants of the city were the victims of the sieges, but also historical landmarks were the targets of sieges. The Siege of Rome during Justinian's campaign would be the principal key study of the analysis. Although the Byzantines (re)claimed the old capital of the Roman Empire, the cost of (re)conquest outweighed the victory.

Research paper thumbnail of "Defense of the Balkans in the Sixth Century: The Byzantine Army and the Way of Warfare in the Early Medieval Period," 57th International Congress on Medieval Studies, Western Michigan University, 9-14 May 2022.

This presentation analyzes the transformation of the Byzantine army and the way of war in the Ear... more This presentation analyzes the transformation of the Byzantine army and the way of war in the Early Medieval Period. Throughout the 6th century, the Byzantines clashed with the invaders like Huns, Slavs, and Avars in the Balkans. The invaders were notorious because their mounted raiders aimed to outmaneuver and overwhelm the Byzantine forces with their high speed and constant motion. This situation compelled the Byzantines to organize the army and employ military strategies in order to deal with the enemies. In this way, they responded to the invaders and their actions, which demonstrates that they were aware of the capability of their enemies.

Research paper thumbnail of "The Goths since Adrianople 378 CE: Impact of Their migration upon Roman Thrace." Shifting Powers: Political, Urban, and Demographic Changes in Late Antique Balkan Provinces

The Goths' crossing to the Roman territory through the Danube would become a turning point for Ro... more The Goths' crossing to the Roman territory through the Danube would become a turning point for Roman history and the region. Shortly after the Gothic migration, the deteriorating relationship between the Goths and the Romans turned into an armed conflict that reached its climax at Adrianople in 378. After the Romans' decisive defeat at the Battle of Adrianople, the whole of Thrace was at the mercy of the Goths who ravaged the region. Eventually, the conflict ended up with a treaty by which both sides came to terms. In accordance with the treaty, the Goths were allowed to settle in the Moesia region, and they became foederati in the Roman army. Until their final departure from the Roman East in the 490s, they remained a non-negligible element in the region.

Thesis Chapters by Sercan Batum

Research paper thumbnail of The Lower Danube in Late Antiquity: The Case of Histria

This thesis analyses the nature of Histria in Late Antiquity between the 3rd and the 7th century ... more This thesis analyses the nature of Histria in Late Antiquity between the 3rd and the 7th century AD. Histria is chosen as a case study as it is the most comprehensively studied city in Scythia Minor for the period. The thesis has two focal points. Firstly, it investigates the evolution of the site in Late Antiquity. Secondly, it re-assesses the nature of Histria in terms of the divergent claims as proposed by Constantin Scorpan in 1980 and by Andrew Poulter in 1992 regarding the nature of the place and other cities in the region in Late Antiquity.

To achieve both aims, the thesis examines Histria in terms of its urban change and the transformation of both ecclesiastical and civic buildings and street networks in Late Antiquity. This is done within a chronological framework to assess the possible reasons for such change, such as Christianity, invasion, and urban reconstruction. In particular, the thesis concentrates on the Christianization of urban topography, and the inter-relationship between the extra- and intra-mural basilica churches there and Histria’s residential areas, in the context of the rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire during Late Antiquity. By examining the effect of Christianity on the development of urbanism in the region, the thesis will favour the idea that the classical urban amenities lost their function of earlier periods as Christianity transformed the urban areas with significant landmarks, most especially the basilicas.

Research paper thumbnail of "The Elements of Siege and Destruction: Conduct of Siege Warfare in the Byzantine World," 58th International Congress on Medieval Studies, Western Michigan University, 11-13 May 2023.

This paper discusses the conduct of siege warfare in Byzantium during the Early Medieval period. ... more This paper discusses the conduct of siege warfare in Byzantium during the Early Medieval period. The paper has two goals. Firstly, to present the destructive character of the siege warfare and transmission of siege knowledge from the Byzantines to their "enemies." The Byzantines preserved the siege technology and tactics that originated from Greco-Roman tradition, but siege knowledge turned against them because of its transmission to the Avars and Slavs in the late 6th century. Secondly, to analyze the catastrophic impact of sieges on the cities. This paper argues that during the transition from Late Antiquity to Middle Ages, sieges brought destruction to cities, which shared the urban heritage of Classical antiquity. Not only inhabitants of the city were the victims of the sieges, but also historical landmarks were the targets of sieges. The Siege of Rome during Justinian's campaign would be the principal key study of the analysis. Although the Byzantines (re)claimed the old capital of the Roman Empire, the cost of (re)conquest outweighed the victory.

Research paper thumbnail of "Defense of the Balkans in the Sixth Century: The Byzantine Army and the Way of Warfare in the Early Medieval Period," 57th International Congress on Medieval Studies, Western Michigan University, 9-14 May 2022.

This presentation analyzes the transformation of the Byzantine army and the way of war in the Ear... more This presentation analyzes the transformation of the Byzantine army and the way of war in the Early Medieval Period. Throughout the 6th century, the Byzantines clashed with the invaders like Huns, Slavs, and Avars in the Balkans. The invaders were notorious because their mounted raiders aimed to outmaneuver and overwhelm the Byzantine forces with their high speed and constant motion. This situation compelled the Byzantines to organize the army and employ military strategies in order to deal with the enemies. In this way, they responded to the invaders and their actions, which demonstrates that they were aware of the capability of their enemies.

Research paper thumbnail of "The Goths since Adrianople 378 CE: Impact of Their migration upon Roman Thrace." Shifting Powers: Political, Urban, and Demographic Changes in Late Antique Balkan Provinces

The Goths' crossing to the Roman territory through the Danube would become a turning point for Ro... more The Goths' crossing to the Roman territory through the Danube would become a turning point for Roman history and the region. Shortly after the Gothic migration, the deteriorating relationship between the Goths and the Romans turned into an armed conflict that reached its climax at Adrianople in 378. After the Romans' decisive defeat at the Battle of Adrianople, the whole of Thrace was at the mercy of the Goths who ravaged the region. Eventually, the conflict ended up with a treaty by which both sides came to terms. In accordance with the treaty, the Goths were allowed to settle in the Moesia region, and they became foederati in the Roman army. Until their final departure from the Roman East in the 490s, they remained a non-negligible element in the region.

Research paper thumbnail of The Lower Danube in Late Antiquity: The Case of Histria

This thesis analyses the nature of Histria in Late Antiquity between the 3rd and the 7th century ... more This thesis analyses the nature of Histria in Late Antiquity between the 3rd and the 7th century AD. Histria is chosen as a case study as it is the most comprehensively studied city in Scythia Minor for the period. The thesis has two focal points. Firstly, it investigates the evolution of the site in Late Antiquity. Secondly, it re-assesses the nature of Histria in terms of the divergent claims as proposed by Constantin Scorpan in 1980 and by Andrew Poulter in 1992 regarding the nature of the place and other cities in the region in Late Antiquity.

To achieve both aims, the thesis examines Histria in terms of its urban change and the transformation of both ecclesiastical and civic buildings and street networks in Late Antiquity. This is done within a chronological framework to assess the possible reasons for such change, such as Christianity, invasion, and urban reconstruction. In particular, the thesis concentrates on the Christianization of urban topography, and the inter-relationship between the extra- and intra-mural basilica churches there and Histria’s residential areas, in the context of the rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire during Late Antiquity. By examining the effect of Christianity on the development of urbanism in the region, the thesis will favour the idea that the classical urban amenities lost their function of earlier periods as Christianity transformed the urban areas with significant landmarks, most especially the basilicas.